Cochlear hearing device with cable antenna

ABSTRACT

A hearing aid device comprising a behind-the-ear part, an at-the-head part, a coupling element, a second antenna, and a wireless interface is disclosed. The behind-the-ear part is adapted for being arranged at an ear of a user and for providing a low frequency signal comprising audio. The at-the-head part is adapted for being arranged at the head of the user. The at-the-head part includes a first antenna adapted to communicate with an implant part comprising at least one cochlear electrode adapted for being arranged in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of the user. The coupling element couples the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part and is adapted for transmitting the low frequency signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part. The second antenna is adapted for communicating at high frequency with an external unit. The wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/or sending data via the second antenna. The at-the-head part is adapted for providing the low frequency signal comprising audio to the at least one cochlear electrode. The at least one cochlear electrode is adapted for converting the low frequency signal comprising audio to an output signal perceivable by a user as sound. The coupling element comprises an electrically conducting element coupled to the wireless interface. The electrically conducting element is at least a part of the second antenna and adapted for transferring the signal comprising audio at a low frequency from the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-head part and for transmitting and/or receiving high frequency signals via the second antenna.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hearing device. More particularly,the disclosure relates to a hearing device with a first antenna forcommunication with an implant part and a second antenna forcommunicating at high frequency with an external unit. The hearingdevice may in particular be a hearing aid, such as of an implantabletype.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices can be adapted for communicating wirelessly withexternal units or external devices. Therefore hearing devices need somesort of antenna. Nowadays in particular hearing aid devices can comprisean antenna for communicating wirelessly with external devices. When twohearing aid devices are used by a user, for example in a binauralhearing system with one of the hearing aid devices at each ear of theuser, each of the hearing aid devices is preferably adapted to transmita wireless signal to the corresponding hearing aid device arranged atthe other ear, e.g., in order to simultaneously change settings of thetwo hearing aid devices. Such hearing aid devices can also communicatewith other external devices, e.g., a tablet pc, a personal computer, amobile phone, such as a SmartPhone or any other external device that isadapted for wireless communication.

It is known to use wireless technology standards for exchanging dataover short distances by using short-wavelength radio transmissions, suchas Bluetooth applying the ISM band from 2400-2800 MHz.

Hearing devices, in particular, hearing aid devices are very denseapplications. Hence when an antenna is integrated into a hearing aiddevice there are specific requirements that need to be considered, suchas the size and position of the antenna. These specific requirements areparticularly relevant for hearing aid devices with implant parts whichare implantable into the body of a user and adapted to wirelesslycommunicate with the external part of the hearing aid device, e.g., fora hearing aid device with a cochlear implant, as these kind of hearingaid devices may comprise two antennas.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution for including twoantennas in a hearing aid device.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a hearing device comprises a behind-the-earpart, an at-the-head part, a coupling element, a second antenna, and awireless interface. The behind-the-ear part is adapted for beingarranged at an ear of a user and for providing a low frequency signalcomprising audio. The at-the-head part is adapted for being arranged atthe head of the user. The at-the-head part includes a first antennaadapted to communicate with an implant part comprising at least onecochlear electrode adapted for being arranged in the cochlea inproximity of an auditory nerve of the user. The coupling element couplesthe behind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part and is adapted fortransmitting the low frequency signal comprising audio to theat-the-head part. The second antenna is adapted for communicating athigh frequency with an external unit. The wireless interface is adaptedfor receiving and/or sending data via the second antenna. Theat-the-head part is adapted for providing the low frequency signalcomprising audio to the at least one cochlear electrode. The at leastone cochlear electrode is adapted for converting the low frequencysignal comprising audio to an output signal perceivable by a user assound. The coupling element comprises an electrically conducting elementcoupled to the wireless interface. The electrically conducting elementis at least a part of the second antenna and adapted for transferringthe signal comprising audio at a low frequency from the behind-the-earpart to the at-the-head part and for transmitting and/or receiving highfrequency signals via the second antenna.

The data received or sent via the second antenna can for example be asignal comprising audio, a control signal, settings, or any other kindof information that is typically received by or sent to a hearingdevice. The hearing device can comprise an input transducer, e.g., amicrophone, microphone array or the like arranged at or in thebehind-the-ear part for providing the low frequency signal. Lowfrequency signals comprise frequencies below 1 MHz, in particular in thehearing range of humans, i.e., in the kHz range. The input transducer ispreferably adapted for receiving a signal comprising audio from thesurrounding environment and for providing the low frequency signal basedon the signal received from the surrounding environment. The lowfrequency signal can also be based on data received via the secondantenna. The low frequency signal can for example be a combination ofsignals received by the input transducer and the second antenna. Thehearing device therefore preferably comprises electric circuitryincluding a digital signal processor (DSP), amplifier, one or morefilters, digital-analog-converters (DAC), analog-digital-converters(ADC) and/or the like in order to process and/or amplify signals. Thehearing device can for example be a hearing aid device, such as ahearing aid and in particular a cochlear implanted hearing aid. Thefirst antenna can for example be a transmitter coil in wirelesscommunication with a coil arranged in the implant part viaelectromagnetic coupling for providing signals comprising audio andenergy signals. The at-the-head part and the implant part may compriseone or more magnets that allow to mount the at-the-head part on asurface of the head above the implant part. The implant part may also beconfigured to transmit data collected for example by the cochlearelectrodes to the at-the-head part. The cochlear electrodes can bearranged like a piano keyboard with each cochlear electrodecorresponding to a frequency band of a signal comprising audio and theauditory nerves, i.e., their endings in contact with the electrodes cansend electric impulses provided by the cochlear electrodes to the brainof the user, which can interpret the signals as sound.

The hearing device according to the disclosure allows for arranging afirst antenna for wirelessly communicating between the first antenna andan implant part and for arranging a second antenna for wirelesslycommunicating with an external unit via the second antenna while thesize of the hearing device is essentially unchanged, i.e., arranging twoantennas in the hearing device essentially does not increase the size ofthe hearing device. This allows for producing hearing devices with smallsizes. In particular hearing aid devices with an at-the-head partwearable at the head and a behind-the-ear part wearable behind the earof the user can be provided. It is possible to arrange the secondantenna within the hearing device in a manner that facilitates effectivewireless communication with an external unit or external devices, suchas a mobile phone, a SmartPhone, a tablet pc, a personal computer, acomputer, another hearing device, a remote control, a wireless relaydevice adapted to transmit audio signals from another communicationapplication, or the like.

According to another aspect, a method for a wireless receiving and/orsending of data in a hearing device is provided. The hearing devicecomprises a coupling element, a behind-the-ear part, an at-the-headpart, a second antenna, and a wireless interface. The coupling elementcouples the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part of the hearingdevice. The behind-the-ear part is adapted for providing a low frequencysignal comprising audio. The at-the-head part includes a first antennaadapted to communicate with an implant part comprising at least onecochlear electrode adapted for converting the low frequency signalcomprising audio to an output signal receivable by a user as sound. Thesecond antenna is adapted for communicating at high frequency with anexternal unit. The wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/orsending data via the second antenna. The method comprises the followingsteps. Providing an electrically conducting element in the couplingelement. Arranging the behind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of thehearing device. Arranging the at-the-head part at the head of the user.Arranging the at least one cochlear electrode in the cochlea inproximity of an auditory nerve of the user. Receiving and/or sendingdata via said electrically conducting element serving as at least a partof the second antenna. Providing that the coupling element transmits thesignal comprising audio to the at-the-head part in order to provide thesignal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode.

The data received or sent via the second antenna can for example be asignal comprising audio, a control signal, settings, or any other kindof information that is typically received by or sent to a hearingdevice. Communicating from the hearing device to another device e.g. anexternal device such as a mobile phone, control device or the like, maybe performed at high frequency here means at frequencies above 1 MHz andup to 100 GHz, such as 300 MHz to 3 GHz, such as 2 GHz to 2.5 GHz, suchas 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz. The electrically conducting element serves atleast as a part of the second antenna, i.e., the second antenna can alsoextend into the behind-the-ear part, e.g., into a hollow space inside ofthe casing. The behind-the-ear part can for example comprise an inputtransducer adapted for providing a low frequency signal comprisingaudio. The low frequency signal can also be based on data received viathe second antenna.

The method for a wireless receiving and/or sending of data in a hearingdevice according to the disclosure allows for wirelessly communicatingbetween the first antenna and the implant part comprising the at leastone cochlear electrode and wirelessly communicating between the externalunit and the second antenna essentially without increasing the size of ahearing device performing the method. Hence for example signals can bereceived from the external unit at the second antenna and can betransmitted to the at-the-head part via the coupling element. Theat-the-head part comprises the first antenna which is used to transmitthe signals to the implant part in order to provide the signal to the atleast one cochlear electrode. The signals can also be received by aninput transducer, e.g., a microphone arranged in the behind-the-earpart. The signals can then be transmitted to the at least one cochlearelectrode via the coupling element and the first antenna.

According to yet another aspect, a second method for a wirelessreceiving and/or sending of data in a hearing device is provided. Thehearing device comprises a coupling element, a behind-the-ear part, anat-the-head part, a second antenna, and a wireless interface. Thecoupling element couples the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-headpart of the hearing device. The behind-the-ear part is adapted forproviding a low frequency signal comprising audio. The at-the-head partincludes a first antenna adapted to communicate with an implant partcomprising at least one cochlear electrode adapted for converting thelow frequency signal comprising audio to an output signal receivable bya user as sound. The second antenna is adapted for communicating at highfrequency with an external unit. The wireless interface is adapted forreceiving and/or sending data via the second antenna. The methodcomprises the following steps. Providing an electrically conductingelement in the coupling element. Arranging the behind-the-ear part at anear of a user of the hearing device. Arranging the at-the-head part atthe head of the user. Establishing a connection to the at least onecochlear electrode in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve ofthe user. Receiving and/or sending data via said electrically conductingelement serving as at least a part of the second antenna. Providing thatthe coupling element transmits the signal comprising audio to theat-the-head part in order to provide the signal comprising audio to thecochlear electrode.

The second method for a wireless receiving and/or sending of data in ahearing device according to the disclosure allows for the samefunctionalities as the previously presented method. The major differencebetween both methods is that the second method has a step ofestablishing a connection to the at least one cochlear electrode. Inthis case the at least one cochlear electrode is pre-implanted in thecochlea in close proximity to an auditory nerve. The previouslypresented method instead has a step of arranging the at least onecochlear electrode in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve ofthe user.

According to another aspect, the hearing device according to thedisclosure is used.

The hearing device is preferably used in order to improve the hearing ofa user, e.g., in a manner of a hearing aid device, such as a hearing aidand in particular as a cochlear implant hearing aid. The hearing devicetherefore can receive and send data, e.g., signals comprising audio viathe second antenna and receive signals comprising audio via an inputtransducer arranged in or at the behind-the-ear part in order to providea low frequency signal comprising audio. The low frequency signalcomprising audio can be transferred to the at-the-head part in order totransmit the signal to the implant part via the first antenna. The lowfrequency signal comprising audio can then be provided to the at leastone cochlear electrode in order to stimulate the auditory nerves whichallows to provide an output signal to the user perceivable as sound.

The use of the hearing device according to the disclosure allows forwirelessly communicating between the first antenna and the implant partcomprising the at least one cochlear electrode and wirelesslycommunicating between the external unit and the second antenna withoutincreasing the size of the hearing device used substantially or at all.

The at-the-head part may be adapted to be magnetically coupled to theimplant part at a distance from the ear of the user. The implant partand the at-the-head part preferably comprise at least one magnet inorder to allow for the magnetically coupling. This allows for anarrangement of the implant part and at-the-head part in close proximityto each other. In particular the at-the-head part can be mounted at asurface of the head above the implant part. This allows for an improvedtransmission of signals, i.e., signals comprising audio and energysignals, between the at-the-head part and the implant part.

The second antenna may be an electrically short antenna. This allows fora reduced space requirement and hence allows for a smaller hearingdevice.

The first antenna may be configured to communicate with the implant partvia mutual induction between coils of the first antenna and the implantpart. Preferably at least a part of the first antenna arranged in theat-the-head part is a coil. The implant part comprises a coil in orderto receive signals comprising audio and energy signals from the firstantenna. This allows for providing energy and signals comprising audioto the implant part without the need of a physical connection throughthe skull of the head of the user. Hence an opening in the head prone toinfections can be avoided.

The coupling element may comprise two balanced wires for transmittingthe signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part. Preferably theelectrically conducting element comprises the wires. This allows forreduction of external noise when the low frequency signals aretransmitted via the two balanced wires are fed into a differentialamplifier. The balanced wires can be at least a part of the electricallyconducting element acting as at least a part of the second antenna.

The wireless interface may be coupled to the electrically conductingelement via a high-pass filter. The wireless interface may be coupled tothe high-pass filter via a balun and the high-pass filter may then becoupled to the wires via respective capacitors. The behind-the-ear partmay include a low-pass filter in the path of the signal comprisingaudio, i.e. the low frequency signal. This allows for achieving arelatively good signal quality while only few modifications topre-existing hearing device designs are necessary. Preferably the baluncomprises a transformer and the high-pass filter comprises a capacitorand an inductance. A balun in general is a passive electronic devicethat converts between balanced and unbalanced electrical signals. Theskilled person is well aware of a number of examples of baluns.

The hearing device the wireless interface may be adapted for receivingand/or sending data by means of radio frequency signals in the frequencyrange of 1 MHz to 100 GHz, such as 300 MHz to 3 GHz, such as 2 GHz to2.5 GHz, such as 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz, such as in the frequency rangeof 1 MHz to 200 MHz, such as 200 MHz to 400 MHz, such as 400 MHz to 800MHz, such as 800 MHz to 1500 MHz, such as 1500 MHz to 1800 MHz, such as1800 MHz to 2100 MHz, such as 2100 MHz to 2200 MHz, such as 2200 MHz to2400 MHz, such as 2400 MHz to 2500 MHz, such as 2500 MHz to 2800 MHz,such as 2800 MHz to 3000 MHz, such as around 2.4 GHz. Radio frequencysignals are considered as high frequency signals used for high frequencycommunication. The wireless interface is optionally adapted forreceiving and/or sending data according to a communication standard,such as Bluetooth. This allows for exchanging data over short distancesby using short-wavelength radio transmissions. The Bluetoothcommunication standard is widely used and hence allows for a goodcompatibility between different devices. Any other common communicationstandard for exchanging data over short distances may also be used.

The electrically conducting element constitutes a first part of thesecond antenna and at least a second part of the second antenna may bearranged in the behind-the-ear part, and a feed point to the secondantenna may be between the first and second part of the second antenna.The behind-the-ear part preferably comprises a casing which is at leastpartly formed as a hook with a hollow inner space. The second part ofthe second antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part is preferably atleast partly arranged in the hollow inner space of the hook. At least apart of the second antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part can havea radiation pattern resembling a monopole or wire antenna which has aform that depends on a desired radio frequency. Alternatively oradditionally at least a part of the second antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part can be a loop antenna or at least a part of thesecond antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part can be a spiralantenna. A spiral is here to be understood as an Archimedean spiral, ahelix or a conic spiral, i.e., the spiral can be a curve that windsaround a fixed center point at a increasing or decreasing distance fromthe point or it can be a three dimensional curve that turns around anaxis at a constant or continuously varying distance while movingparallel to the axis. The distance between turns may vary along thespiral, and the variation need not be linear or even present betweenturns. The spiral may be more or less unevenly distributed in thebehind-the-ear part. The part of the second antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is preferably coupled to the wireless interface viaa balun and/or a matching network which is adapted to match the secondantenna to obtain maximum energy transfer to/from the wireless interfaceat a desired radio frequency. Arranging at least a part of the secondantenna in the behind-the-ear part allows for facilitating effectivewireless communication with an external device or external unit. Itfurthermore allows for providing a reliable antenna that can be securedto or embedded into a wall of the behind-the-ear part and in particulara wall of the hook. Arranging at least a part of the second antenna inthe behind-the-ear part as a spiral antenna allows the antenna to takeup less space than a straight antenna.

At least a part of the second antenna may cover at least a part of theoutside surface of the hearing device, preferably of the behind-the-earpart, more preferably of the hook of the behind-the-ear part. Theantenna may be an indium tin oxide (ITO) or any other suitable type ofantenna. This allows for a further reduction of space needed to includethe second antenna into the hearing device. A coating layer may be addedto protect the antenna from environmental influence.

The hearing device may be used to wirelessly communicate with anexternal unit, such as another hearing device. This allows for forming abinaural hearing device system or to exchange data with another externalunit in order to improve the functionality of the hearing device.Further, the external device may be a mobile phone or othercommunication device, e.g. a portable computing device, such as atablet, a computer or the like, or a stationary device, such as atelevision or an adaptor for a television, or other devices connected toa television, such as a game console.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The aspects of the disclosure may be best understood from the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just showdetails to improve the understanding of the claims, while other detailsare left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used foridentical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspectmay each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects.These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will beapparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrationsdescribed hereinafter in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a binaural hearing device system comprising twohearing devices worn by a user;

FIG. 2 illustrates a hearing device according to the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a hearing device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a hearing device;

FIG. 5 illustrates a hearing device;

FIG. 6 illustrates a hearing device;

FIG. 7 illustrates a hearing device;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of various configurations. Thedetailed description includes specific details for the purpose ofproviding a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may bepractised without these specific details. Several aspects of theapparatus or device and methods are described by various blocks,functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes,algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements”). Dependingupon particular application, design constraints or other reasons, theseelements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer program,or any combination thereof.

The electronic hardware may include microprocessors, microcontrollers,digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, discretehardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform thevarious functionality described throughout this disclosure. Computerprogram shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instructionsets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, softwaremodules, applications, software applications, software packages,routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution,procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware,middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

A hearing device may include a hearing aid device or hearing aid that isadapted to improve or augment the hearing capability of a user byreceiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings, generating acorresponding audio signal, possibly modifying the audio signal andproviding the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to atleast one of the user's ears or the corresponding cochlear nerves orauditory nerves associated with the user's ear. The “hearing device” mayfurther refer to a device such as an earphone or a headset adapted toreceive an audio signal electronically, possibly modifying the audiosignal and providing the possibly modified audio signals as an audiblesignal to at least one of the user's ears or the corresponding cochlearor auditory nerves associated with the user's ear. Such audible signalsmay be provided in the form of electric signals transferred directly orindirectly to cochlear nerve and/or to auditory cortex of the user.

The hearing device is adapted to be worn in any known way suitable for ahearing device wirelessly connected with an implant part. This mayinclude i) arranging a unit of the hearing device behind the ear such asin a Behind-the-Ear type hearing aid, and/or ii) arranging the hearingdevice entirely or partly in the pinna and/or in the ear canal of theuser such as in a In-the-Ear type hearing aid orIn-the-Canal/Completely-in-Canal type hearing aid, or iii) arranging aunit of the hearing device attached to a fixture implanted into theskull bone such as in Cochlear Implant, or iv) arranging a unit of thehearing device as an entirely or partly implanted unit such as inCochlear Implant.

A “hearing system” or “hearing device system” refers to a systemcomprising one or two hearing devices, and a “binaural hearing system”or “binaural hearing device system” refers to a system comprising twohearing devices where the devices are adapted to cooperatively provideaudible signals to both of the user's ears or the corresponding cochlearnerves or auditory nerves associated with the user's ear. The hearingsystem or binaural hearing system may further include auxiliarydevice(s) that communicates with at least one hearing device, theauxiliary device affecting the operation of the hearing devices and/orbenefitting from the functioning of the hearing devices. A wired orwireless communication link between the at least one hearing device andthe auxiliary device is established that allows for exchanginginformation (e.g. control and status signals, possibly audio signals)between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device. Suchauxiliary devices may include at least one of remote controls, remotemicrophones, audio gateway devices, mobile phones, SmartPhones,public-address systems, car audio systems or music players or acombination thereof. The audio gateway is adapted to receive a multitudeof audio signals such as from an entertainment device like a TV or amusic player, a telephone apparatus like a mobile telephone or acomputer, a PC. The audio gateway is further adapted to select and/orcombine an appropriate one of the received audio signals (or combinationof signals) for transmission to the at least one hearing device. Theremote control is adapted to control functionality and operation of theat least one hearing devices. The function of the remote control may beimplemented in a SmartPhone or other electronic device, theSmartPhone/electronic device possibly running an application thatcontrols functionality of the at least one hearing device.

In general, a hearing device includes i) an input unit, e.g. an inputtransducer, such as a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from auser's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal,and/or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving an input audiosignal. The hearing device further includes a signal processing unit forprocessing the input audio signal and an output unit, e.g., cochlearelectrodes for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence onthe processed audio signal.

The input unit may include multiple input microphones, e.g. forproviding direction-dependent audio signal processing. Such directionalmicrophone system is adapted to enhance a target acoustic source among amultitude of acoustic sources in the user's environment. In one aspect,the directional system is adapted to detect (such as adaptively detect)from which direction a particular part of the microphone signaloriginates. This may be achieved by using conventionally known methods.The signal processing unit may include amplifier that is adapted toapply a frequency dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signalprocessing unit may further be adapted to provide other relevantfunctionality such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unitmay include one or more output electrodes for providing the electricsignals such as in a Cochlear Implant.

A Cochlear Implant as an embodiment of a hearing device typicallyincludes i) an external part for picking up and processing sound fromthe environment, and for determining sequences of pulses for stimulationof the electrodes in dependence on the current input sound, ii) a(typically wireless, e.g. inductive) communication link forsimultaneously transmitting information about the stimulation sequencesand for transferring energy to iii) an implanted part or implant partallowing the stimulation to be generated and applied to a number ofelectrodes, which are implantable in different locations of the cochleaallowing a stimulation of different frequencies of the audible range.Such systems are e.g. described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,441 and in U.S.Pat. No. 4,532,930.

In an aspect, the hearing device comprises multi-electrode array e.g. inthe form of a carrier comprising a multitude of electrodes adapted forbeing located in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of theuser. The carrier is preferably made of a flexible material to allowproper positioning of the electrodes in the cochlea such that theelectrodes may be inserted in cochlea of a recipient. Preferably, theindividual electrodes are spatially distributed along the length of thecarrier to provide a corresponding spatial distribution along thecochlear nerve in cochlea when the carrier is inserted in cochlea.

FIG. 1 illustrates two hearing devices 10 and 10′ according to an aspectof the disclosure of a binaural hearing device system 12 worn by user 14at his head 16. Hearing device 10 is arranged, at the right ear 18 ofthe user 14 and hearing device 10′ is arranged at the left ear 18′ orthe user 14.

The hearing device 10 comprises a behind-the-ear part 20, a couplingelement 22, and an at-the-head part 24, The coupling element 22 couplesthe behind-the-ear part 20 with the at-the-head part 24. Here, thecoupling element 22 is a cable. The coupling element 22 can also forexample be a cord, a wire, a lead, or any other kind of coupling element22.

The hearing device 10′ at the left ear 18′ comprises the same componentsas hearing device 10. The components of hearing device 10′ are referredto by the same reference signs as the components of hearing device 10but with an additional prime, i.e., behind-the-ear part 20′, couplingelement 22′ and at-the-head part 24′.

The behind-the-ear part 20 comprises a casing 21, a hook 26, frontmicrophone 28, back microphone 30, wireless interface 32, electriccircuitry 34, and a power source 36 (cf. FIG. 2). The components of thebehind-the-ear part 20 are included into casing 21. The hook 26 allowsarranging the behind-the-ear part 20 behind the ear 18 of the user 14.The power source 36 is here a battery that powers the hearing device 10.The behind-the-ear part 20 can also comprise only one microphone or amicrophone array. Alternative, (although not shown), the behind-the-earpart does not comprise any microphone at all.

The coupling element 22 comprises an electrically conducting element 38which is coupled to the wireless interface 32. The electricallyconducting element 38 comprises two balanced wires that serve as a partof a second antenna 40. The electrically conducting element 38 can alsocomprise only one wire, three wires, or it can be any other kind ofelectrically conducting element that can serve as a part of the secondantenna 40 and that allows transmitting signals. The second antenna 40extends over the electrically conducting element 38 and into thebehind-the-ear part 20. Here antenna 40 is an electrically shortantenna.

The at-the-head part 24 comprises a first antenna 42 in the form of acoil and a magnet 44. The first antenna 42 may also have any other formknown to the person skilled in the art that allows electromagneticcoupling. The at-the-head part 24 is arranged at the head 16 of the user14 at a surface above an implant part 46.

The implant part 46 comprises a coil 48, a magnet 50, a lead 52 and anarray of cochlear electrodes 54. The magnet 50 allows mounting theat-the-head part 24 above the implant part 46, as the magnet 50 of theimplant part 46 and the magnet 44 of the at-the-head part 24 attracteach other if they are in close proximity. Hence the at-the-head part 24can be magnetically coupled to the implant part 46 at a distance fromthe ear 18 of the user 14. The lead 52 connects the coil 48 with thecochlear electrodes 54. The cochlear electrodes 54 are arranged in thecochlea 56 of the user 14 in proximity to the cochlear nerves orauditory nerves 58 which carry auditory sensory information from thecochlea 56 to the brain 60.

Accordingly at-the-head part 24′ of hearing device 10′ is arranged atthe head 16 of the user 14 at a surface above implant part 46′.

The binaural hearing device system 12 comprises an external unit 62 withantenna 64. External unit 62 illustrated here is a SmartPhone, but couldalso be any other kind of external unit that wirelessly communicateswith the hearing devices 10 and 10′, e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet pc,a personal computer, a computer, a remote control, a wireless relaydevice adapted to transmit audio signals from another communicationapplication, or the like. Antenna 64 allows the external unit 62 tocommunicate with the hearing devices 10 and 10′ in order to exchangedata wirelessly, e.g., settings, signals comprising audio, controlsignals, alarm signals, or any other kind of data that benefits the userof the hearing devices 10 and 10′. For example music files can betransmitted as wireless signals 66 to both hearing devices 10 and 10′.The external unit 62 can for example use Bluetooth for the wirelesstransmission.

In the following some basic functions of the hearing device 10 aredescribed with regards to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The functionality of thehearing device 10 is not limited to the functions described in thefollowing and the person skilled in the art may imagine variousfunctionalities in view of the components of the hearing device 10.

The front microphone 28 and back microphone 30 of hearing device 10receive signals 68 comprising audio from the surrounding environment(cf. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) and provide low frequency signals comprisingaudio based on the signals 68 received from the surrounding environment.Low frequency signals is preferably viewed as frequencies below 1 MHz,in particular in the hearing range of humans, i.e., in the kHz range.The low frequency signals comprising audio are transferred to theelectric circuitry 34.

The second antenna 40 communicates at high frequency with external unit62 and/or the other hearing device 10′. The wireless interface 32receives and sends data via the second antenna 40. The second antenna 40receives high frequency wireless signals 66 comprising data. Inparticular also the electrically conducting element 38 receives highfrequency wireless signals 66 comprising data via the second antenna 40.The second antenna 40 can also transmit high frequency signalscomprising data, e.g., a signal derived from the low frequency signalsreceived by microphones 28 and 30. In particular also the electricallyconducting element 38 can transmit high frequency signals via the secondantenna 40. High frequency here are taken to mean frequencies above 1MHz, and up to 100 GHz, such as 300 MHz to 3 GHz, such as 2 GHz to 2.5GHz, such as 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz. The wireless signals 66 are alsotransferred to the electric circuitry 34.

The electric circuitry 34 processes the low frequency signals comprisingaudio and the wireless signals. The electric circuitry 34 thereforeincludes analog-digital-converter (ADC), digital-analog-converter (DAC),a signal processing unit, in this case a digital signal processor (DSP),amplifier and filters. The electric circuitry 34 generates a processedsignal based on the low frequency signals comprising audio and thewireless signals. The wireless signals may for example comprise acontrol signal that adjusts the settings of the components of theelectric circuitry 34 in order to process the low frequency signalcomprising audio and/or a signal comprising audio, e.g., the signalreceived at the other hearing device 10′. The processed signal thus canalso be a combination of a signal comprising audio received by thesecond antenna 40 and the low frequency signals comprising audio ofmicrophones 28 and 30. Hence the behind-the-ear part 20 provides a lowfrequency signal comprising audio, i.e. the processed signal. Thebehind-the-ear part 20 furthermore provides energy signals provided fromthe power source 36.

The processed signal and the energy signals are provided to the couplingelement 22 which couples the behind-the-ear part 20 and the at-the-headpart 24. The electrically conducting element 38 included in the couplingelement 22 transmits the low frequency signal comprising audio, i.e.,the processed signal at a low frequency and the energy signals to theat-the-head part 24.

The first antenna 42 included in the at-the-head part 24 is here a coilthat allows to transmit the low frequency signal comprising audio, i.e.,the processed signal and the energy signals to the coil 48 arranged inthe implant part 46. Hence the first antenna communicates with theimplant part 46. Alternatively, (not shown), the coil 48 of the implantpart 46 can also transmit data, e.g., status data, sensor data, settingsor the like to the first antenna 42 of the at-the-head part 24. Theimplant part 46 does not need an internal power source due to the energysupply by the energy signals and can be powered externally viaelectromagnetic coupling, e.g. via precharging or the like.

The low frequency signal comprising audio, i.e., the processed signal istransmitted via lead 52 to the cochlear electrodes 54. The cochlearelectrodes 54 are arranged like a piano keyboard in the cochlea 56 witheach cochlear electrode 54 corresponding to a frequency band of a signalcomprising audio in close proximity to the auditory nerves 58. Thecochlear electrodes 54 thus convert the low frequency signal comprisingaudio to an output signal perceivable by the user 14 as sound. Thereforethe auditory nerves 58, i.e., their endings in contact with theelectrodes 54 send electric impulses provided by the cochlear electrodes54 to the brain 60 of the user 14, which can interpret the signals assound.

The essential function of the binaural hearing device system 12 usesboth hearing devices 10 and 10′. In particular both hearing devices 10and 10′ generate low frequency signals comprising audio and exchange thesignals via their second antennas 40 and their wireless interfaces 32.The corresponding wireless signals 66 are processed by the electriccircuitry 34 of the hearing devices 10 and 10′ and correspondingprocessed signals are provided to the user 14 as described above forsome of the functions of the hearing device 10. Various functionalitiesof the binaural hearing device system 12 are obviously apparent to theperson skilled in the art, in particular if the external unit 62 is alsoincluded into the wireless communication. For example, an external unit62 in form of a remote control can be used in order to control thehearing devices 10 and 10′ or the binaural hearing device system 12.Hence, the remote control can be used to adjust the volume settings orto activate personalised settings. Personalised settings can for examplecomprise the amplification of certain frequency bands that the user hasproblems to hear, as the auditory nerves or cochlear electrodes for thatfrequency bands might be damaged or misaligned relative to thecorresponding auditory nerves.

In the binaural hearing device system 12 presented in FIG. 1 bothhearing devices 10, 10′ are of the same type, i.e. cochlear hearing aiddevices. In an alternative (not shown) the binaural hearing devicesystem 12 could also comprise a hearing device 10 according to an aspectof the disclosure arranged at one of the ears 18 and 18′ and anothertype hearing device, e.g., a Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) hearing device,In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing device, Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearingdevice arranged at the other one of the ears 18′ and 18. This issometimes referred to as a bimodal fitting. The other hearing devicewould then typically comprise an output unit that include an outputtransducer such as a loudspeaker/receiver for providing an air-borneacoustic signal transcutaneously or percutaneously to the skull bone ora vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne acousticsignal. The other hearing device generates audible signals that may beprovided in the form of an acoustic signal radiated into the user'souter ear, or an acoustic signal transferred as mechanical vibrations tothe user's inner ears through bone structure of the user's head and/orthrough parts of middle ear of the user.

In FIG. 1, the hearing device 10 may be used to wirelessly communicatewith the other hearing device 10′ or the external unit 62. It can alsobe used to wirelessly communicate with both devices.

Hearing device 10 and 10′ can also be independently operated withoutusing the binaural functionality. Hence it is also possible to mountonly one of the hearing devices 10 and 10′ at one of the ears 18 or 18′of the user 14.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a hearing device 10. Thehearing device 10 comprises a behind-the-ear part 20, an at-the-headpart 24, a second antenna 40, a first antenna 42, a coupling element 22,and a wireless interface 32.

Here the behind-the-ear part 20 comprises electric circuitry 34 partlyin form of a printed circuit board (PCB) 70 for realizing some of theprimary features of the hearing device 10, e.g., processing andgenerating the processed signal to be provided to the user 14. The PCB70 comprises a signal processing unit for processing signals and isconnected to the wireless interface 32. The wireless interface 32 canalso be part of the PCB (not shown). The behind-the-ear part 24 furthercomprises low frequency signal connections 72, high frequency signalconnections 74, a balun 76, a high-pass filter 78, and a low-pass filter80. The low-pass filter 80 is coupled to low frequency signalconnections 72 of the PCB 70. The balun 76 is coupled to the highfrequency signal connections 74 of the PCB 70. The balun 76 is furthercoupled to a ground connection 81 and to the high-pass filter 78. Thehigh-pass filter 78 and the low-pass filter 80 are coupled to balancedwire 37 and balanced wire 39 of the coupling element 22. The high-passfilter 78 is coupled to the balanced wires 37 and 39 via capacitors 82and 83. The balanced wires 37 and 39 are included in the electricallyconducting element 38. The low-pass filter 80 is coupled to the firstantenna 42 provided in the at-the-head part 24. The first antenna 42 ishere a coil which receives low frequency signals comprising audio viathe electrically conducting element 38 and provides them to the coil 48of the implant part 46. High frequency signals to be sent by the secondantenna 40 are converted by the balun 76 and passed through thehigh-pass filter 78, exciting the second antenna 40 including theelectrically conducting element 38. In case the second antenna 40 orelectrically conducting element 38 is excited by external high frequencysignals arriving at the hearing device 10, these external high frequencysignals are passed through the high-pass filter 78 and the balun 76 toenter the PCB 70 at the high frequency signal connections 74, where theexternal signals are received by the wireless interface 32 connected toPCB 70. Hence FIG. 3 illustrates how the high frequency signal ortransceiver radio frequency (RF) signal is isolated from the signalcomprising audio and connected to two balanced wires. The low-passfilter 80 is provided in series with the audio signal and a high-passfilter 78 is provided in series with the high frequency signal.

FIG. 4 illustrates a hearing device 10. The hearing device 10 of FIG. 4is similar to the hearing device according to the hearing devicepresented in FIGS. 1 and 2. The main difference is that the secondantenna 40 of the hearing device 10 shown in FIG. 4 has two secondantenna parts 41 and 43. This could be seen as a dipole-like structurewhere the parts 41 and 43 are fed from inside the housing. Theelectrically conducting element 38 forms the first antenna part 41. Thesecond antenna part 43 is arranged in the hollow inner space of the hook26 inside of the behind-the-ear part 20. The second antenna part 43 canalso extend over the inner space of the hook 26 into other parts of thebehind-the-ear part 20. A feed point to the second antenna 40 is betweenthe first part 41 and second part 43 of the second antenna 40. Here thefeed point is arranged in the electric circuitry 34. The second antennapart 43 has a radiation pattern resembling a monopole or wire antennawhich has a form that depends on a desired radio frequency. This allowsforming a second antenna part 43 that has a desired radio frequency forhigh frequency signal communication with external units or externaldevices. The second antenna part 43 of the second antenna 40 is coupledto the wireless interface 32 via a balun (not shown) which is adapted totune the second antenna 40 to a desired radio frequency. Alternatively amatching network can be arranged between the second antenna part 43 andthe wireless interface 32 in order to tune the second antenna 40 to adesired radio frequency.

The wireless interface 32 allows for receiving and/or sending data bymeans of radio frequency signals in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 100GHz, such as 300 MHz to 3 GHz, such as 2 GHz to 2.5 GHz, such as 2400MHz to 2483.5 MHz, such as in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 200 MHz,such as 200 MHz to 400 MHz, such as 400 MHz to 800 MHz, such as 800 MHzto 1500 MHz, such as 1500 MHz to 1800 MHz, such as 1800 MHz to 2100 MHz,such as 2100 MHz to 2200 MHz, such as 2200 MHz to 2400 MHz, such as 2400MHz to 2500 MHz, such as 2500 MHz to 2800 MHz, such as 2800 MHz to 3000MHz, such as around 2.4 GHz. The wireless interface 32 can in particularbe adapted for receiving and/or sending data according to acommunication standard, such as Bluetooth. Hence in the hearing device10 the second part 43 of the second antenna 40 is formed such that itsradiation pattern resembles a wire antenna with a radio frequencycorresponding to the ISM band, i.e., from 2400-2800 MHz of the Bluetoothcommunication standard.

FIG. 5 illustrates a hearing device 10. The hearing device 10 is similarto the hearing device 10 presented in FIG. 4. The hearing device 10 inFIG. 5 also has two second antenna parts 41 and 43 of the second antenna40. The main difference is that the part of the second antenna 40arranged in the behind-the-ear part 20 is a loop antenna. In particularthe second part 43 of the second antenna 40 is arranged in hook 26.

FIG. 6 illustrates a hearing device 10. The hearing device 10 of FIG. 6is almost identical to the hearing device presented in FIG. 5 with theonly difference that the loop antenna arranged in the hook 26 has adifferent orientation, i.e., it is rotated by 90 degrees.

FIG. 7 illustrates a hearing device 10. The hearing device 10 of FIG. 7is similar to the the hearing device 10 presented in FIGS. 4 and 5. Themain difference of the hearing device 10 of FIG. 7 compared to thehearing device 10 of FIGS. 4 and 5 is that the part of the secondantenna 40 arranged in the behind-the-ear part 20 is a spiral antenna,i.e., the second part 43 of the second antenna 40 is formed as a spiralantenna. Here the spiral antenna is particularly formed as a conicspiral, i.e., it corresponds to a three dimensional curve that turnsaround an axis at a continuously varying distance while moving parallelto the axis. The form/shape of the spiral can also be an Archimedeanspiral or a helix, i.e., the spiral can be a curve that winds around afixed center point at a increasing or decreasing distance from the pointor it can be a three dimensional curve that turns around an axis at aconstant distance while moving parallel to the axis. In particular thesecond part 43 of the second antenna 40 is arranged in hook 26. Thespiral antenna allows for a relatively long antenna while no excessivelength of the hook 26 is required. For example the spiral antenna can belonger than a straight wire antenna.

Alternatively, loop and spiral antennas could be combined with antennasthat resemble a monopole or wire antenna which has a form that dependson a desired radio frequency. Hence the hearing device 10 could thiscase have multiple different antennas as second part 43 of the secondantenna 40 arranged in the behind-the-ear part 20 of the hearing device10 (not shown). E.g. for establishing a diversity antenna system or anyother purpose.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method for a wireless receivingand/or sending of data in a hearing device. The hearing device comprisesa coupling element, a behind-the-ear part, an at-the-head part, a secondantenna, and a wireless interface. The coupling element couples thebehind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part of the hearing device. Thebehind-the-ear part is adapted to provide a low frequency signalcomprising audio. The at-the-head part includes a first antenna adaptedto communicate with an implant part comprising at least one cochlearelectrode adapted for converting the low frequency signal comprisingaudio to an output signal receivable by a user as sound. The secondantenna is adapted for communicating at high frequency with an externalunit. The wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/or sendingdata via the second antenna. The method comprises the steps:

-   100 providing an electrically conducting element in the coupling    element,-   110 arranging the behind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of the    hearing device,-   120 arranging the at-the-head part at the head of the user,-   130 arranging the at least one cochlear electrode in the cochlea in    proximity of an auditory nerve of the user,-   140 receiving and/or sending data via said electrically conducting    element serving as at least a part of the second antenna, and-   150 providing that the coupling element transmits the signal    comprising audio to the at-the-head part in order to provide the    signal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a method for a wireless receivingand/or sending of data in a hearing device. The hearing device of FIGS.8 and 9 are identical. The method of FIG. 9 comprises the steps:

-   100 providing an electrically conducting element in the coupling    element,-   110 arranging the behind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of the    hearing device,-   120 arranging the at-the-head part at the head of the user,-   135 establishing a connection to the at least one cochlear electrode    in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of the user,-   140 receiving and/or sending data via said electrically conducting    element serving as at least a part of the second antenna, and-   150 providing that the coupling element transmits the signal    comprising audio to the at-the-head part in order to provide the    signal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode.

Hence in contrast to the method according to FIG. 8 the at least onecochlear electrode is already arranged in the cochlea in proximity of anauditory nerve of the user. In the method according to FIG. 9 of thedisclosure thus a connection to a pre-implanted cochlear electrode isestablished in step 135.

In an aspect, the functions or methods may be stored on or encoded asone or more instructions or code on a tangible computer-readable medium.The computer readable medium includes computer storage media adapted tostore a computer program comprising program codes, which when run on aprocessing system causes the data processing system to perform at leastsome (such as a majority or all) of the steps of the method describedabove, in the description of FIGS. 8 and 9 and in the claims.

By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media cancomprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in theform of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by acomputer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk andBlu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, whilediscs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Inaddition to being stored on a tangible medium, the computer program canalso be transmitted via a transmission medium such as a wired orwireless link or a network, e.g. the Internet, and loaded into a dataprocessing system for being executed at a location different from thatof the tangible medium. In particular the steps 135, 140, and 150 of themethods described herein may be implemented in software.

In an aspect, a data processing system comprises a processor adapted toexecute the computer program for causing the processor to perform atleast some (such as a majority or all) of the steps of the methoddescribed above and in the claims. In particular the steps 135, 140, and150 of the methods as disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented insoftware.

It is intended that the structural features of the devices describedabove, either in the detailed description and/or in the claims, may becombined with steps of the method, when appropriately substituted by acorresponding process.

As used, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well (i.e. to have the meaning “at least one”),unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood thatthe terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,”when used in this specification, specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred toas being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element but an intervening elementsmay also be present, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,“connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connectedor coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps ofany disclosed method is not limited to the exact order stated herein,unless expressly stated otherwise.

REFERENCE SIGNS

-   10, 10′ hearing device-   12 binaural hearing device system-   14 user-   16 head of the user-   18, 18′ ear-   20, 20′ behind-the-ear part-   22, 22′ coupling element-   24, 24′ at-the-head part-   26 hook-   28 front microphone-   30 back microphone-   32 wireless interface-   34 electric circuitry-   36 power source-   37 first balanced wire-   38 electrically conducting element-   39 second balanced wire-   40 second antenna-   41 first part of the second antenna-   42 first antenna-   43 second part of the second antenna-   44 magnet-   46, 46′ implant part-   48 coil-   50 magnet-   52 lead-   54 cochlear electrodes-   56 cochlea-   58 auditory nerves-   60 brain-   62 external unit-   64 antenna-   66 wireless signal-   68 signal comprising audio-   70 printed circuit board (PCB)-   72 low frequency signal connections-   74 high frequency signal connections-   76 balun-   78 high-pass filter-   80 low-pass filter-   81 ground connection-   82 first capacitor-   83 second capacitor

The present disclosure include the following general items:

1. A hearing device comprising:

a behind-the-ear part adapted for being arranged at an ear of a user andfor providing a low frequency signal comprising audio,

an at-the-head part adapted for being arranged at the head of the user,wherein the at-the-head part includes a first antenna adapted tocommunicate with an implant part comprising at least one cochlearelectrode adapted for being arranged in the cochlea in proximity of anauditory nerve of the user,

a coupling element coupling the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-headpart, wherein the coupling element is adapted for transmitting the lowfrequency signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part,

a second antenna for communicating at high frequency with an externalunit, and

a wireless interface for receiving and/or sending data via the secondantenna,

the at-the-head part being adapted for providing the low frequencysignal comprising audio to the at least one cochlear electrode and theat least one cochlear electrode being adapted for converting the lowfrequency signal comprising audio to an output signal perceivable by auser as sound,

wherein the coupling element comprises an electrically conductingelement coupled to the wireless interface, the electrically conductingelement is at least a part of the second antenna, and the electricallyconducting element is adapted for transferring the signal comprisingaudio at a low frequency from the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-headpart and for transmitting and/or receiving high frequency signals viathe second antenna.

2. Hearing device according to item 1, wherein the at-the-head part isadapted to be magnetically coupled to the implant part at a distancefrom the ear of the user.

3. Hearing device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the second antennais an electrically short antenna.

4. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to 3, whereinthe first antenna communicates with the implant part via mutualinduction between coils of the first antenna and the implant part.

5. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to 4, whereinthe coupling element comprises two balanced wires for transmitting thesignal comprising audio to the at-the-head part, wherein theelectrically conducting element comprises the wires.

6. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to 5, whereinthe wireless interface is coupled to the electrically conducting elementvia a high-pass filter, wherein the wireless interface is coupled to thehigh-pass filter via a balun and wherein the high-pass filter is coupledto the wires via respective capacitors, wherein the behind-the-ear partincludes a low-pass filter in the path of the signal comprising audio.

7. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to 6, whereinthe wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/or sending data bymeans of radio frequency signals in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 100GHz, such as 300 MHz to 3 GHz, such as 2 GHz to 2.5 GHz, such as 2400MHz to 2483.5 MHz, such as in the frequency range of 1 MHz to 200 MHz,such as 200 MHz to 400 MHz, such as 400 MHz to 800 MHz, such as 800 MHzto 1500 MHz, such as 1500 MHz to 1800 MHz, such as 1800 MHz to 2100 MHz,such as 2100 MHz to 2200 MHz, such as 2200 MHz to 2400 MHz, such as 2400MHz to 2500 MHz, such as 2500 MHz to 2800 MHz, such as 2800 MHz to 3000MHz, such as around 2.4 GHz, and wherein the wireless interface isoptionally adapted for receiving and/or sending data according to acommunication standard, such as Bluetooth.

8. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to 7, whereinthe electrically conducting element constitutes a first part of thesecond antenna and at least a second part of the second antenna isarranged in the behind-the-ear part, and a feed point to the secondantenna is between the first and second part of the second antenna.

9. Hearing device according to item 8, wherein the behind-the-ear partcomprises a casing which is at least partly formed as a hook with ahollow inner space and wherein the second part of the second antennaarranged in the behind-the-ear part is at least partly arranged in thehollow inner space of the hook.

10. Hearing device according to item 8 or 9, wherein at least a part ofthe second antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part has a radiationpattern resembling a monopole or wire antenna which has a form thatdepends on a desired radio frequency.

11. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 8 to 10,wherein at least a part of the second antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is a loop antenna or at least a part of the secondantenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part is a spiral antenna.

12. Hearing device according to at least one of the items 9 to 11,wherein the part of the second antenna arranged in the behind-the-earpart is coupled to the wireless interface via a balun or a matchingnetwork which is adapted to tune the second antenna to a desired radiofrequency.

13. A method for a wireless receiving and/or sending of data in ahearing device comprising

a coupling element coupling a behind-the-ear part and an at-the-headpart of the hearing device, the behind-the-ear part for providing a lowfrequency signal comprising audio and the at-the-head part including afirst antenna adapted to communicate with an implant part comprising atleast one cochlear electrode adapted for converting the low frequencysignal comprising audio to an output signal receivable by a user assound, and

a second antenna for communicating at high frequency with an externalunit, and

a wireless interface for receiving and/or sending data via the secondantenna, and the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing an electrically conducting element in the coupling        element,    -   arranging the behind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of the        hearing device, arranging the at-the-head part at the head of        the user,    -   arranging the at least one cochlear electrode in the cochlea in        proximity of an auditory nerve of the user,    -   receiving and/or sending data via said electrically conducting        element serving as at least a part of the second antenna, and    -   providing that the coupling element transmits the signal        comprising audio to the at-the-head part in order to provide the        signal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode.

14. Use of a hearing device according to at least one of the items 1 to12.

15. Use according to item 14 to wirelessly communicate with an externalunit, such as another hearing device.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an aspect” or features includedas “may” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features,structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or moreembodiments of the disclosure. The previous description is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspectsdescribed herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other aspects.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein,but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of theclaims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intendedto mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather“one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some”refers to one or more.

Accordingly, the scope should be judged in terms of the claims thatfollow.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hearing aid device comprising: abehind-the-ear part adapted for being arranged at an ear of a user andfor providing a low frequency signal comprising audio, an at-the-headpart adapted for being arranged at the head of the user, wherein theat-the-head part includes a first antenna adapted to communicate with animplant part comprising at least one cochlear electrode adapted forbeing arranged in the cochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of theuser, the at-the-head part being adapted to be magnetically coupled tothe implant part at a distance from the ear of the user, a couplingelement coupling the behind-the-ear part and the at-the-head part,wherein the coupling element is adapted for transmitting the lowfrequency signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part, a secondantenna for communicating at high frequency with an external unit, and awireless interface for receiving and/or sending data via the secondantenna, the at-the-head part being adapted for providing the lowfrequency signal comprising audio to the at least one cochlear electrodeand the at least one cochlear electrode being adapted for converting thelow frequency signal comprising audio to an output signal perceivable bya user as sound, wherein the coupling element comprises an electricallyconducting element coupled to the wireless interface, the electricallyconducting element is at least a part of the second antenna, and theelectrically conducting element is adapted for transferring the signalcomprising audio at a low frequency from the behind-the-ear part to theat-the-head part and for transmitting and/or receiving high frequencysignals via the second antenna, wherein the second antenna comprises afirst part and a second part, the electrically conducting element of thecoupling element constituting the first part of the second antenna andthe second part of the second antenna being arranged in thebehind-the-ear part, wherein the behind-the-ear part comprises a casingwhich is at least partly formed as a hook with a hollow inner space andwherein the second part of the second antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is at least partly arranged in the hollow innerspace of the hook, wherein a feed point to the second antenna is betweenthe first part and second part of the second antenna.
 2. Hearing aiddevice according to claim 1, wherein the second antenna is anelectrically short antenna.
 3. Hearing aid device according to claim 1,wherein the first antenna communicates with the implant part via mutualinduction between coils of the first antenna and the implant part. 4.Hearing aid device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling elementcomprises two balanced wires for transmitting the signal comprisingaudio to the at-the-head part, wherein the electrically conductingelement comprises the wires.
 5. Hearing aid device according to claim 1,wherein the wireless interface is coupled to the electrically conductingelement via a high-pass filter, wherein the wireless interface iscoupled to the high-pass filter via a balun and wherein the high-passfilter is coupled to the wires via respective capacitors, wherein thebehind-the-ear part includes a low-pass filter in the path of the signalcomprising audio.
 6. Hearing aid device according to the claim 1,wherein the wireless interface is adapted for receiving and/or sendingdata by means of radio frequency signals in the frequency range of 1 MHzto 100 GHz, and wherein the wireless interface is optionally adapted forreceiving and/or sending data according to a communication standard. 7.Hearing aid device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of thesecond antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part has a radiationpattern resembling a monopole or wire antenna which has a form thatdepends on a desired radio frequency.
 8. Hearing aid device according toclaim 1, wherein at least a part of the second antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is a loop antenna or at least a part of the secondantenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part is a spiral antenna. 9.Hearing aid device according to claim 1, wherein the part of the secondantenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part is coupled to the wirelessinterface via a balun and/or a matching network which is adapted tomaximize the energy transfer to second antenna at a desired radiofrequency.
 10. A hearing aid system comprising: a behind-the-ear partadapted for being arranged at an ear of a user and for providing asignal comprising audio, an at-the-head part adapted for being arrangedat a location on the head of the user, wherein the at-the-head partincludes an inductive coupler adapted to inductively communicate with animplant part comprising at least one cochlear electrode adapted forbeing arranged in the cochlea of the user in proximity of an auditorynerve of the user, the at-the-head part being adapted to be magneticallycoupled to the implant part at a distance from the ear of the user, amechanical coupling element mechanically coupling the behind-the-earpart and the at-the-head part, wherein the coupling element comprises anelectrically conductive part configured to transmitting the signalcomprising audio from the behind-the-ear part to the at-the-head part,an high frequency antenna configured to transmit and/or receiveelectromagnetic signals at high frequency, the high frequency antennabeing in electrical connection with a wireless interface for digitallyreceiving and/or transmitting data via the high frequency antenna,wherein the high frequency antenna comprises a first part and a secondpart, the electrically conducting element of the mechanical couplingelement constituting the first part of the high frequency antenna andthe second part of the high frequency antenna being arranged in thebehind-the-ear part, wherein the behind-the-ear part comprises a casingwhich is at least partly formed as a hook with a hollow inner space andwherein the second part of the high frequency antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is at least partly arranged in the hollow innerspace of the hook, wherein a feed point to the high frequency antenna isbetween the first part and second part of the high frequency antenna.11. The hearing aid system according to claim 10, wherein thebehind-the-ear part further comprises an input transducer for providingthe signal comprising audio.
 12. A method for a wireless receivingand/or sending of data in a hearing device comprising a coupling elementcoupling a behind-the-ear part and an at-the-head part of the hearingdevice, the behind-the-ear part for providing a low frequency signalcomprising audio and the at-the-head part including a first antennaadapted to communicate with an implant part comprising at least onecochlear electrode adapted for converting the low frequency signalcomprising audio to an output signal receivable by a user as sound, anda second antenna for communicating at high frequency with an externalunit, and a wireless interface for receiving and/or sending data via thesecond antenna, and the method comprising the steps of: providing anelectrically conducting element in the coupling element, arranging thebehind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of the hearing device, arrangingthe at-the-head part at the head of the user, such that the at-the-headpart is magnetically coupled to the implant part at a distance from theear of the user, arranging the at least one cochlear electrode in thecochlea in proximity of an auditory nerve of the user, receiving and/orsending data via said electrically conducting element serving as atleast a part of the second antenna, and providing that the couplingelement transmits the signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part inorder to provide the signal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode,wherein the second antenna comprises a first part and a second part, theelectrically conducting element of the coupling element constituting thefirst part of the second antenna and the second part of the secondantenna being arranged in the behind-the-ear part, wherein thebehind-the-ear part comprises a casing which is at least partly formedas a hook with a hollow inner space and wherein the second part of thesecond antenna arranged in the behind-the-ear part is at least partlyarranged in the hollow inner space of the hook, wherein a feed point tothe second antenna is between the first part and second part of thesecond antenna.
 13. A method for a wireless receiving and/ortransmitting of data in a hearing aid device comprising: a couplingelement coupling a behind-the-ear part and an at-the-head part of thehearing device, the behind-the-ear part configured to provide a signalcomprising audio and the at-the-head part including an inductive coupleradapted to inductively communicate with an implant part comprising atleast one cochlear electrode adapted for converting the signalcomprising audio to an output signal receivable by a user as sound, anda high frequency antenna for communicating at high frequency with anexternal unit, and a wireless interface for receiving and/or sendingdata via the high frequency antenna, and the method comprising the stepsof: arranging the behind-the-ear part at an ear of a user of the hearingdevice, arranging the at-the-head part at the head of the user, suchthat the at-the-head part is magnetically coupled to the implant part ata distance from the ear of the user, receiving and/or sending data viasaid electrically conducting element serving as at least a part of thehigh frequency antenna, and providing that the coupling elementtransmits the signal comprising audio to the at-the-head part in orderto provide the signal comprising audio to the cochlear electrode,wherein the high frequency antenna comprises a first part and a secondpart, the electrically conducting element of the mechanical couplingelement constituting the first part of the high frequency antenna andthe second part of the high frequency antenna being arranged in thebehind-the-ear part, wherein the behind-the-ear part comprises a casingwhich is at least partly formed as a hook with a hollow inner space andwherein the second part of the high frequency antenna arranged in thebehind-the-ear part is at least partly arranged in the hollow innerspace of the hook, wherein a feed point to the high frequency antenna isbetween the first part and second part of the high frequency antenna.14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: in the receiving part,filtering the electrical signals from the coupling element so that thehigh frequency parts do not enter signal processing componentsestablishing the signal comprising audio.
 15. The method of claim 13further comprising: during transmission at high frequencies and audiosignals, mixing signal from wireless interface and the signal comprisingaudio so as to establish a composite signal in the coupling element. 16.Hearing aid device according to the claim 6, wherein the wirelessinterface is adapted for receiving and/or sending data by means of radiofrequency signals in the frequency range of about 2.4 GHz, and thewireless interface is optionally adapted for receiving and/or sendingdata according to a Bluetooth communication standard.